National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978

[F1 10Z12 Inquiries S

(1) HIS may cause an inquiry to be held into any matter connected with—

(a) the exercise of its functions; or

(b) the provision of an independent health care service or a service provided under the health service.

(2) Before there is commenced an inquiry under subsection (1), HIS may direct that it be held in private; but where no such direction has been given the person holding the inquiry may if that person thinks fit hold it, or any part of it, in private.

(3) Subject to subsection (4), subsections (2) to (6) of section 210 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 (c. 65) (provisions relating to local inquires) apply in relation to an inquiry under subsection (1) as they apply in relation to a local inquiry under that section.

(4) For the purposes of an inquiry under subsection (1), any reference in those subsections which, by virtue of the Scotland Act 1998 (c. 46), falls to be construed as a reference to—

(a) the Scottish Ministers, is to be construed as a reference to HIS; and

(b) a member of the staff of the Scottish Ministers, is to be construed as a reference to a member of staff of HIS.

(5) The expenses incurred by HIS in relation to an inquiry under subsection (1) (including such reasonable sum as HIS may determine for the services of any of its staff engaged in the inquiry) must, unless HIS is of the opinion that those expenses should be defrayed in whole or in part by it, be paid by such party to the inquiry as it may direct; and HIS may certify the amount of the expenses so incurred.

(6) Any sum certified under subsection (5) and to be defrayed in accordance with a direction under that subsection is a debt due by the party directed and is to be recoverable accordingly.

(7) In relation to an inquiry under subsection (1), HIS may make an award as to the expenses of the parties and as to the parties by whom such expenses are to be paid.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 10A-10Z19 and cross-headings inserted (1.8.2010 for the insertion of s. 10A for specified purposes, 1.10.2010 for specified purposes, 1.4.2011 for specified purposes, 1.4.2016 for specified purposes with the exception of the insertion of s. 10Z9(1)(a), 1.4.2017 for specified purposes, 19.6.2024 for specified purposes) by Public Services Reform (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 8), ss. 108, 134(7); S.S.I. 2010/221, art. 3(2)(3), sch.; S.S.I. 2010/321, art. 3, sch.; S.S.I. 2011/122, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2016/22, art. 2(1)(2), sch. 1, sch. 2; S.S.I.2024/131, art. 2, sch. 1